According to the Journey to the West novel, after the Six-Eared Macaque was slain, Tang Monk indeed never recited the Tight-Fillet Spell again.
The Directive from Guanyin
Tang Monk ceased chanting the spell because Guanyin Bodhisattva, when returning Sun Wukong to the pilgrimage team, explicitly instructed that demon-subduing and security matters were now Wukong’s domain. She emphasized that without the monkey, Tang Monk could never reach the Western Paradise or behold Tathāgata. This elevated Wukong’s status to near equality with Tang Monk.
Guanyin Bodhisattva said: “Tang Monk, the one who struck you days ago was the impostor – the Six-Eared Macaque. By Tathāgata’s divine wisdom, it has been slain by Wukong. You must now take Wukong back. Demonic obstacles still plague your journey; only with his protection can you reach Ling Mountain, behold the Buddha, and obtain the scriptures. Cease your resentment henceforth.”
— Journey to the West, Chapter 58
Furthermore, Guanyin implicitly conveyed the Western Hierarchy’s impatience with Tang Monk’s meddling. Under this divine admonition, Tang Monk naturally refrained from harassing Wukong arbitrarily.
The Original Purpose of the Spell
Initially, when Guanyin bestowed the spell upon Tang Monk, she authorized its use whenever Wukong “defied his commands.” This broad mandate led Tang Monk to recite the incantation at every hint of disobedience.
Guanyin’s Public Reproof
Following the Six-Eared Macaque’s death, Guanyin’s return of Wukong served as a public critique of Tang Monk:
- Clarification: She confirmed the attacker was the impostor (Six-Eared Macaque) — Tang Monk had wronged Wukong.
- Mandate: Tang Monk must retain Wukong, as only the monkey’s protection could ensure their arrival at Ling Mountain(Spirit Mountain or Vulture Peak).
- This was a tacit warning: cease unnecessary provocations; the team’s composition was an organizational decision, not his to alter.
Redefined Relationship
Tang Monk and Sun Wukong were not master-disciple in the traditional sense, but colleagues in a sacred mission.
The New Dynamic
Henceforth, Tang Monk only invoked the spell symbolically — solely as a dignity-preserving warning when sensing disrespect — never again for genuine punishment.
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